Aging out of Louisiana Medicaid

Most children in Louisiana with Medicaid will age out of childhood programs as of their 19^th birthday. To keep Medicaid benefits, they must apply for adult coverage after turning 18 but before turning 19. Children currently in foster care must apply for coverage as an adult before their 21^st birthday. Children formerly in foster care must apply for coverage as an adult before their 26^th birthday.

We send our members a reminder at least six months before they will age out of childhood programs.

After applying for and being deemed eligible for adult Medicaid, you will continue getting the coverage you had as a child, including:

• Behavioral health services
• Dental and vision care
• Doctor visits
• Emergency services
• Immunizations/Vaccines
• Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
• Laboratory and X-ray services
• Prescriptions
• Routine check-ups

Note that after qualifying to receive Medicaid benefits as an adult, you may need to pick a new primary care physician (PCP). Your current doctor, if a pediatrician, may not be able to be your PCP.

Use our Find a Doctor service to look for a new PCP

Use the Louisiana Medicaid self-service portal

You can apply for, renew, or manage your Medicaid benefits/coverage through Louisiana Medicaid’s self-service portal. You can access your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You have to create an account to renew your coverage online. Once logged into your account, you can access answers to frequently asked questions and directions for renewing your benefits through the self-service portal.

Other ways to renew your Medicaid benefits

You can renew your Medicaid benefits in person at a Medicaid Application Center or Medicaid Office. You also can download and print a Medicaid coverage application and return it by mail or fax.

Apply at a Medicaid Application Center

See a list of Medicaid Application Centers in your area

Note: Not all Application Centers accept walk-in applications. Call the Application Center before visiting a site.

Apply at a Medicaid office

See a list of regional Medicaid offices, an address and phone number for each location, and hours of operation

Complete and return a Medicaid application

Find and download an Application for Health Coverage

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) also makes available additional applications to fill out and return based on specific situations. For example, if more than four people live in your home, there is an extra application to fill out.

Send your complete and signed application to:
Medicaid Application Office
P.O. Box 91278
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9893

Or fax your complete and signed application to 1-877-523-2987.

LDH will contact you if they need additional information and/or with next steps.

If you have questions about the renewal process, or want help with your application:

• Call LDH at 1-888-342-6207, or
• Email MyMedicaid@LA.gov